"Arsenal is a huge motivation. Charlton will be a difficult test for us though." - Coventry City's Richard Stevens

25 January 2016

Kieran Crowley

The City Academy Manager hopes to see more players contribute to the scoresheet tonight against Charlton...

Coventry City Academy Manager Richard Stevens believes the prospect of playing Arsenal will prove a huge motivation in the FA Youth Cup tonight.

The Sky Blues face Charlton Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup tonight at Corby Town, with kick-off at 7pm.

If City were to come through the difficult Addicks test, they'll have a home fixture against Arsenal in the next round.

Stevens believes Charlton present a difficult challenge but believes there is enough quality in the squad to get through to the next round.

The City Academy manager said: "We've done really well to get to this stage already. We've played all three rounds beating Walsall, Crewe Alexandra and Stoke City.

"It'll be a different challenge tonight. Charlton are a really good side who are flying high in their division and they've always produced really good individuals.

"They're currently top of the South division and have recorded some great results lately. At the same time, our group have done really well this year and most of them have been playing up in the Under-21s.

"It'll be good for our second-years to come back to their age group and go toe to toe with players their own age, and show the experience they've gained from the Under-21s."

Bassala Sambou has scored seven goals in the competition so far, the only City goal-scorer in the competition, and Stevens hopes to see more contribute tonight.

He added: "The group are capable of adding goals from other areas. We've got wide players who should be getting involved on the scoresheet a lot more in the FA Youth Cup as we have in the league.

"On the flip side of that, it is very often their work which creates the space and the openings for Bassala so it's important Bass takes the chances he is provided.

"It'll be a motivation. In the category two programme, you don't get to play the category one sides to often and I'm sure the players are all really up for testing themselves against Arsenal.

"We saw what is like last year with Manchester City but we need that as it's important you can see where you are in comparison to the big sides."